The Duck Rice Showdown in Chinatown: Jin Ji Teochew vs. Run Ji

Duck Rice: A Beloved Dish

Recently, I’ve transitioned from being a die-hard chicken rice fan to a duck rice enthusiast. So, when I had the chance to experience two renowned duck rice stalls at Chinatown Complex, I was thrilled. This place is home to two popular spots: Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck & Kway Chap and Run Ji Cooked Food.

What is Duck Rice?

Traditional duck rice consists of braised duck served with white rice, often accompanied by sides like tofu, cucumber, peanuts, or hard-boiled eggs. The duck is typically cooked in a flavorful broth, and the dish is usually drizzled with soy sauce over the rice.

How to Identify Delicious Duck Rice

A good portion of duck should be marinated long enough to soak up the spices, and the broth should be generously poured over the rice. The duck needs to be tender, rich in flavor, and have a slight spiciness from the braising liquid. Ultimately, I was eager to find out which stall would serve the best duck rice dish.

First Up: Run Ji Cooked Food

Upon entering the food court, I immediately spotted Run Ji Cooked Food. After an hour of traveling, I was starving, so I decided to try their duck rice first. I ordered a plate of duck rice (S$4.50), featuring a generous portion of duck on a bed of white rice, accompanied by some cucumber slices.

Though I usually expect duck rice to have a soy sauce flavor, I was pleasantly surprised by the ample amount of broth poured over the rice. The broth soaked into each grain, delivering a subtle umami flavor that was lighter and more enjoyable than what I had tried elsewhere. While the flavor was mild, the broth still made a notable impression on each grain of rice.

As for the white rice, I typically don’t have high expectations for plain rice, but this one was surprisingly good on its own without needing the broth. Now, onto the star of the dish — the duck. The duck was well-marinated and had just the right amount of fat, which I really liked. Each piece was juicy and made me want more. However, some pieces were uneven in flavor and a bit bland.

Exploring Jin Ji Teochew

When I arrived at Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck & Kway Chap, I spent quite some time perusing the menu since they offered more options, such as the Jumbo Bento Combo Set (S$10) and the Bento Kway Chap Set (S$7). Ultimately, I decided to stick with duck rice as planned.

When I placed my order, the owner asked if I wanted the S$4 or S$5 portion, and I opted for the cheaper one. The price difference likely reflects the amount of duck meat. Jin Ji’s duck rice is prepared differently from Run Ji, as they drench the rice in a heavier soy sauce, giving it a darker hue. Alongside my duck rice, I was also served a bowl of soup, which initially appeared clear but was rich in herbal flavors when tasted.

Overall Comparison of the Two Stalls

The portion of rice here seemed noticeably larger, with each grain covered in rich soy sauce, making for a strong flavor impression. A clear distinction between the two stalls is that the duck at Jin Ji contains bones, while Run Ji’s does not. Although the portion was quite substantial, the experience felt less impressive than at Run Ji, as the duck here wasn’t as tender.

Conclusion

Run Ji Cooked Food: Boneless duck with light broth and tender meat. This stall offers the best option for a light yet flavorful duck rice dish.
Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck & Kway Chap: A hearty portion with robust soy sauce-flavored rice. This is a good choice for those wanting a larger meal with herbal soup, but the presence of bones can make eating more challenging.

Both stalls serve delicious duck, but Run Ji Cooked Food takes the lead with its bolder and more balanced flavors, leaving a lasting impression on my palate.